Grand Junction, CO, May 3, 2017– A multi-agency drill will take place at the Grand Junction Regional Airport on May 4th, 2017. The agencies involved in the drill include: Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority, Mesa County Emergency Management, Grand Junction Fire Department, Grand Junction Police Department, Transportation Security Administration, Mesa County Public Health, St. Mary’s Hospital, Community Hospital, Mesa County RACES, Federal Aviation Administration, and Grand Valley Transit. There will also be participation from West Star Aviation and the five airlines that service the Grand Junction Regional Airport.

“Safety is our number one priority and the FAA triennial drills help us all prepare for the worst case scenario, even as we hope that they never happen” – Kip Turner, Grand Junction Regional Airport Executive Director

The drill will begin around 10:00AM and last until around 1:00PM. The drill is designed to test the ability of the Mesa County Emergency Responders to respond to a major airplane accident and handle the resulting fire, treatment and transportation of the victims of that incident. The purpose of the drill is to coordinate local resources and to better understand the capabilities of all the responders. The drill is positioned in a location at the airport that will not disrupt normal flight operations.

The media is invited to attend the drill. Please meet at the Grand Junction Regional Airport West Ramp Area/Twin Otter Parking Lot. You will be transported for visual images of the preparation and incident from there. Arrive at 8:15AM at the parking lot for Twin Otter – map attached. A spokesperson will be available to answer questions and provide interviews at 9:00AM.

We anticipate some public anxiety concerning the drill and would appreciate public notification the day of the drill. There has been an effort to notify the neighborhood businesses the day of the drill.

# # # If you would like more information, please contact Jodi Doney at jdoney@gjairport.com or Ellis Thompson-Ellis at ellist@gjcity.org